Leader of the Opposition seat vacant, again
Isaiah Morewagae | Thursday April 17, 2014 15:45
Yesterday Moatlhodi was welcomed in the UDC fold through the Botswana National Front. The move spelt doom for the Botswana Congress Party president Dumelang Saleshando who, who assumed the reigns for the second time in January when Dr Habaudi Hobona won the Francistown West by-elections and the party gained numerical advantage over the UDC.
The move by Moatlhodi now means that both the UDC and the BCP have equal numbers in Parliament. They both have eight Members of Parliament (MPs). It is not the first time local parliament goes without Leader of Opposition (LoO).
In the recent past Parliament went without LoO until Hobona came in.
However, the stalemate might be soon resolved, as Mmegi understands that another former Botswana Democratic legislator Moeng Pheto may join the UDC camp.
What is making the move even more possible is Pheto’s attendance at the press conference to welcome Moatlhodi into the BNF fold yesterday.
UDC and BNF president Duma Boko revealed that they were in talks with Pheto but no decision has been reached.
Boko said they would be happy to have a legislator of Pheto’s caliber in their fold, as he will add much needed experience to their party.
Pheto even seized the moment to address some of the issues that were said about him.
“For the record, I am still an independent candidate but will be happy to work with other opposition parties,” Pheto said.
Boko hailed both Pheto and Moatlhodi as courageous individuals who were able to break away from the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
Boko was happy that Moatlhodi choose BNF and UDC saying the veteran politician brings invaluable experience to the organisation.